Whether you’re building a new home or renovating an old one, you may feel overwhelmed by the amount of choices you have to make. Paint color is a big decision and goes a long way in creating your home’s overall mood or aesthetic style. Following these five steps will help you choose the perfect interior paint color for your home.

#1. Create a Color Scheme

The first step in creating an inviting, cohesive interior is determining a color scheme. If you’re starting from scratch and developing your home’s aesthetic style from the ground up, carrying the same color scheme throughout each room in your home creates a space that feels thoughtful and intentional. If you’re only repainting a room or two, consider your home’s established color scheme and ensure your new interior paint color doesn’t clash with the rest of your home.

Experts recommend choosing one shade of white, one neutral, and three other colors for your home’s color scheme. For inspiration, look online or in interior design magazines to see how other people are using color to enhance their space. There are an infinite number of combinations, so it may take some work to find the color scheme that’s right for you and creates your desired feeling, but it will be worth it when you see the satisfying end result.

#2. Consider Room Size

Different interior paint colors are best suited for different size rooms. In general, lighter colors make a room feel larger and more open, while darker colors make them seem smaller. 

This doesn’t mean you should stay away from dark paint colors; it just depends on your goal. For rooms where you want to feel comfortable and cozy, darker colors are a great choice. You could also use a lighter color on all of the walls except one, then choose a bold shade for an accent wall to add visual interest.

#3. Decide on a Finish

There are five main paint finishes to choose from: matte, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss, and gloss. Each has a different sheen, meaning they reflect different amounts of light. The sheen affects the appearance of the paint; the more glossy the paint is, the brighter it will look. Test out a couple of different finishes before making a final decision to ensure you choose the right interior paint color and finish for your home.

#4. Utilize Paint Color Samples 

Most hardware and paint stores provide free paint chips, which are small cards that allow you to easily compare hues. Pick up a few of these and take them home with you so you can see how the paint colors would look with your furniture and decor.

Once you’ve narrowed down your options to a few favorites, buy a sample can of each shade. These samples provide just enough paint for a small square on your wall. Paint a test patch on a few different walls in your home so you can see what the interior paint colors look like in different environments. 

Once you’ve applied your samples, wait a few days to make your final decision. This allows you to be able to see it at different times of the day. Colors can look a lot different at night than they do while the sun is out, and it’s important to make sure it suits the different types of lighting in your space.

#5. Don’t Forget the Ceiling

Don’t overlook your ceilings! Ceiling paint color can do a lot to change the mood of a room, and can even make it feel larger or smaller. 

If you want a small room to feel larger, consider painting the ceiling a lighter color than the walls. This opens up the space and makes the ceilings seem higher. White or off-white ceilings are a popular choice because they are safe, neutral, and will match almost any wall color. However, it can be tricky to choose the right shade of white for your ceilings. White paint comes with many different warm or cool undertones, so make sure you find one that compliments the wall color.

On the other hand, if you have a large, open room that you want to feel cozier and more intimate, paint the ceiling a color darker than the walls. This creates a bold, dramatic look perfect for dining rooms and bedrooms.

Interior Painting by Brush Brothers Arizona

If you want to repaint your home, whether the interior or exterior, enlist the help of the professionals at Brush Brothers Arizona. We have the experience and expertise to make your home look great. Contact us today to get started!

A fresh coat of paint is a great way to breathe new life into your home or business. However, in the pursuit of beauty, you have to also consider the environmental impact of your projects. Traditional painting methods can lead to a lot of waste and even release chemicals into the air. Luckily, there are steps you can take to make the painting process more sustainable and eco-friendly.

#1. Choose Low-VOC Paints

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gasses from certain liquids or solids. Many VOCs are human-made chemicals found in paint, varnish, cleaners, pharmaceuticals, and refrigerants, among many other sources. 

Exposure to VOCs can have adverse health effects, including irritation of the eyes, throat, and nose, difficulty breathing, nausea, damage to the central nervous system, and even cancer. VOCs can also react with nitrogen oxides and produce ozone pollution, leading to global climate change.

To ensure a more healthy and sustainable approach when painting your home or business, look for paint and supplies that have low VOCs. Only buy and use as much paint as you need, and don’t leave open cans of paint or paint thinner sitting around indoors. While painting, open your windows and turn on a fan to increase circulation and decrease the amount of VOCs in the air. 

#2. Utilize Recycled Paints

Believe it or not, you can actually buy paint made from reblended or reprocessed materials. There are many companies that take old paint and recycle it into new paint, encouraging a sustainable, circular process. 

Once you’re done with your painting project, make sure you dispose of your paint responsibly. Dry paint can be thrown in the trash, but most states have banned oil-based paint from landfills. Because paint disposal guidelines vary depending on where you live, make sure you do your research before throwing any paint away.

#3. Opt for Sustainable Paint Brushes and Rollers

Most conventional paint brushes and rollers contain synthetic materials that are destined to sit in a landfill for millions of years. Instead, look for biodegradable options made of natural materials such as cotton, bamboo, or wood. You can also get tools made of recycled materials for an even more sustainable approach. 

#4. Prep and Clean Responsibly

When you’re painting your home or business, it’s important to prep and clean thoroughly and responsibly to ensure a high-quality end result. However, many cleaning products contain potentially harmful chemicals that are not eco-friendly. Look for sustainable options, or make your own cleaning solutions from household materials like baking soda and vinegar. Not only are homemade cleaning products better for the environment, but they’re also better for your wallet and can save you money.

#5. Salvage and Upcycle

There are a lot of supplies required to paint your home or business. You’ll need paint brushes, rollers, tape, drop cloths, and trays. Whenever possible, salvage and upcycle these supplies to make the process more sustainable.

You can use old, worn-out sheets instead of disposable plastic to protect your floors. Then, after you’re done with your painting project, you can wash them and store them until you need them again. Instead of buying new paint trays, use old storage containers, then rinse them out and save them to use again. 

When it comes to paint brushes and rollers, you will probably have to buy new ones. Many people don’t take great care of their brushes and rollers, then just throw them away once they’ve finished their project. To avoid ruining your tools with dried paint, make sure you rinse them out as soon as you’re done with them. 

You can also store trays, brushes, and rollers in the refrigerator while you take a break. The cold temperatures stop the paint from drying, so you can avoid cleaning your tools every time you step away for a break.

If you treat your equipment with the proper care, you’ll be able to keep it to use for your next project. You could also let a friend use your tools to paint their home, reducing the demand for new products.

Painting Services from Brush Brothers

If you want the job done right, turn to the experts at Brush Brothers Painting. We are experts in both interior and exterior painting and are dedicated to providing people all over Northern Utah with everything they need to refresh their homes and businesses. To get started, contact us today to find out what we can do for you!